How to Make Refried Beans from Canned Pinto Beans

Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and a versatile food that can be used as a side dish, a dip or even as a topping on some Mexican dishes. While many people think that making refried beans at home is time-consuming and requires soaking and cooking dried beans, you can also make delicious refried beans using canned pinto beans.

Canned pinto beans are an inexpensive and convenient way to make refried beans at home without spending hours in the kitchen. With their firm texture and mild flavor, canned pinto beans are perfect for making refried beans that are smooth, creamy and flavorful. In this article, we will guide you on how to make refried beans from canned pinto beans in a few easy steps that anyone can follow. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed To Make Refried Beans From Canned Pinto Beans

If you love the taste of refried beans, then you’ll be pleased to know that it is incredibly easy to make at home. All you need are a few simple ingredients that you can get at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. Canned Pinto Beans

The main ingredient in refried beans is, of course, pinto beans. You can use either dry or canned pinto beans. However, using canned pinto beans will save you time and effort. Make sure to drain out the liquid from the can before starting.

2. White Onion

White onion is an important ingredient in making refried beans. It gives the dish a mild but distinct flavor. Cut it into small pieces.

3. Garlic

Garlic is another essential ingredient that will give your refried beans an added kick of flavor. Make sure to crush it.

4. Salt and Pepper

Add salt and pepper to taste. This will give your refried beans a nice balance of flavor.

5. Olive Oil

You’ll need some olive oil to cook the onions and garlic and to prevent your refried beans from sticking to the pan.

6. Cumin

Cumin is an optional ingredient that can add a smoky, earthy flavor to your refried beans.

7. Chili Powder

Chili powder is another optional ingredient that will give your refried beans a mild spicy kick.

8. Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Adding chicken or vegetable broth to your refried beans will give them more depth of flavor. Make sure to use low-sodium broth to prevent your refried beans from becoming too salty.

9. Lime Juice

Lime juice is an optional ingredient that can add a tangy flavor to your refried beans.

10. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese is an optional ingredient that will give your refried beans a creamy texture and added flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients let’s move on to the cooking process.

How to Make Refried Beans from Canned Pinto Beans: The Step-by-Step Guide

Refried beans are a popular and versatile Mexican side dish that commonly accompanies tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other authentic Mexican dishes. In this section, we will provide you with an easy-to-follow and comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to make mouth-watering refried beans using canned pinto beans.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before starting, you need to make sure that you have all the ingredients that you need to prepare your refried beans. You will need one can of pinto beans, olive oil, garlic, onion, jalapeno pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Drain and Rinse the Beans

Open the can of pinto beans, carefully pour it into a mesh strainer, and rinse it thoroughly. Make sure that you have removed all the excess liquid that comes with the beans in the can.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil, and allow it to heat up. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeno pepper to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Beans

Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet, stir to combine, and allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Season the Beans

Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste, mix thoroughly, and allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Mash the Beans

Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the beans until they reach your desired consistency. If you like your refried beans chunky, leave some whole beans. If you prefer a smoother texture, mash the beans until they are almost smooth.

Step 7: Add Liquid (Optional)

If the refried beans look too dry, you can add a few tablespoons of water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to the skillet. This will help loosen the beans and make them creamier.

Step 8: Simmer the Beans

Simmer the beans over low heat for another 5-7 minutes or until they reach your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Step 9: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the refried beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add a pinch of salt or black pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once the refried beans are cooked, serve them immediately, topped with chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or sliced avocado, if desired. Refried beans are excellent as a side dish or as a filling for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

In conclusion, making refried beans from canned pinto beans is not complicated at all. By following this step-by-step guide, you can prepare a delicious and authentic Mexican side dish in a matter of minutes. So, are you ready to try making your refried beans at home? Give it a go and let us know how it turned out!

Steps to Make Refried Beans from Canned Pinto Beans

Refried beans are the perfect addition to any Mexican-inspired dish. They are a staple in several dishes, be it burritos, enchiladas, or nachos. In this section, we will guide you through the easy steps of making refried beans from canned pinto beans.

Gather your Ingredients

To make a batch of restaurant-style refried beans, you will need the following ingredients:

Ensure that you have all the ingredients in place before starting.

Drain and Rinse Canned Pinto Beans

Begin by draining the canned pinto beans. Rinse the canned beans under a stream of cold water to remove the excess salt, and keep them aside.

Cook Onion and Garlic

Heat a large skillet on medium-high flame, add two tablespoons of vegetable oil to it. Wait for the oil to heat up, then add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent.

Add Cumin and Canned Pinto Beans

After the onions are cooked, add a tablespoon of cumin to the skillet. Give it a quick stir and add the canned pinto beans to the skillet. Keep stirring for a couple of minutes.

Mash the Canned Pinto Beans

After about two minutes, turn off the gas and let the beans cool for a bit. Once slightly cooled, use either a fork or a potato masher to mash the pinto beans. Mash them to the desired consistency, keeping some chunks intact for texture.

Final Thoughts

Homemade refried beans are easy to make and are healthier and tastier than store-bought canned refried beans. You can experiment with different spices and seasonings to make your refried beans flavorful. This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, and perfect for those on a budget. Make it for your next taco Tuesday or as a dip for tortilla chips. Enjoy!

That’s It!

And there you have it, an easy and delicious way to make refried beans from canned pinto beans! Whether you’re making tacos, nachos, or just a simple bean dip, this recipe is sure to please. I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Thank you for taking the time to read it, and please visit again soon for more fun and easy recipes!